ADVERTISING: Advertorial — A Tale of the Old and New World: July's Adventurer Club selections from Red Mountain and Valpolicella

For our July Adventurer Club at The Dinner Party, we're thrilled to present two exceptional 2019 vintages that showcase the unique characteristics of their respective regions: the Terra Blanca Onyx from Washington State's Red Mountain AVA and the Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa from Italy's Veneto region. These selections offer our members a fascinating comparison between New World boldness and Old World elegance. 

Our journey with Terra Blanca began with a memorable wine dinner at Candle In The Woods (if you haven’t been, it’s a MUST!), where proprietors Keith and ReNae Pilgrim captivated us with their incredible selection of wines. Their passion was so infectious that we left with a few cases and as members of their Library Club. We are elated to share their story with our Adventurer Club members. 

The story of Terra Blanca is one of love, adventure, and a shared dream. Keith Pilgrim, a University of California, Davis-trained geologist with a background in viticulture and enology, grew up in Napa, developing a deep appreciation for wine from a young age. ReNae, an accountant by training and fearless by nature, was always ready for a new challenge. 

Early in their marriage, Keith's career as a consulting geologist meant frequent separations. Seeking a change, Keith presented ReNae with two business ideas: a charter sailing business or starting a winery. When Keith jokingly suggested ReNae's role in the sailing venture would be to "cook and clean for the guests," she wisely asked about the second option. And thus, Terra Blanca was born. 

The couple's journey to establish Terra Blanca on Red Mountain was no small feat. Keith cleared the land by hand, drilled wells, and planted vines. ReNae made long weekend treks from their home in Redmond, Washington, battling wind, heat, and snakes as she learned to fit irrigation pipes. Together, they figured out how to grow grapes, make wine, sell wine, and stay married — a testament to their dedication and partnership. 

Nestled in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Red Mountain is the smallest AVA in the state, covering just 4,040 acres. Despite its size, it has gained a reputation for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the Pacific Northwest. Terra Blanca, founded in 1993, has been at the forefront of establishing Red Mountain's prestigious reputation. 

The 2019 vintage in Red Mountain was dramatic, beginning with record-breaking snowfall in February, followed by an unusually cool and cloudy summer. These conditions led to a slower ripening process, allowing for complex flavor development in the grapes. The Terra Blanca team navigated these challenges skillfully, harvesting their red grapes just days before a hard freeze that impacted much of Eastern Washington's grape crop. 

The 2019 Terra Blanca Onyx beautifully captures the essence of this unique vintage and the Pilgrims' dedication to their craft. The wine showcases the power and grace typical of Red Mountain, with an aromatic profile of fresh raspberries, strawberries, rose petals, and violets, complemented by subtle notes of pencil shavings. On the palate, it unfolds with a rich tapestry of dark fruits, transitioning from plum and dark cherry to intense blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish is superbly balanced, with lingering dark fruit notes and hints of dark chocolate. 

Our journey to the Old World takes us to the picturesque landscape of Valpolicella, where the Zenato winery has been crafting exceptional wines for over 60 years. The story of Zenato began in 1960 in San Benedetto di Lugana, where Sergio Zenato's heart first beat for winemaking. His journey is one of passion, hard work, and a deep connection to his territory and people. 

From the banks of Lake Garda, the Zenato family expanded their vision to the nearby hills of Valpolicella. Today, the winery boasts 95 hectares of vineyards in the most suitable areas of Lugana and the classic area of Valpolicella. This dual focus allows Zenato to produce both exquisite whites and robust reds, each emblematic of the quality that comes from a visceral passion for the land and respect for time-honored traditions. 

The Costalunga estate, nestled in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, represents Sergio Zenato's ambitious venture into red wine production. Here, he created a model vineyard that marries modern agronomic techniques with traditional methods. Sergio's meticulous approach is evident in every aspect of the vineyard, from the distribution of vines to maximize sun exposure to the characteristic dry-stone walls that provide crucial functions for the vines. 

Today, over 60 years since its inception, the Zenato winery continues to thrive under the guidance of Sergio's family: his wife Carla and children Alberto and Nadia. They maintain Sergio's unwavering commitment to quality and love for the territory. 

The 2019 Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa undergoes the traditional "ripasso" method, which gives it its distinctive character. After initial fermentation, the young Valpolicella wine is passed over the marc of Amarone, adding depth, structure, and complexity to the wine. The result is a wine of impressive depth and character, displaying an intense ruby red color with an elegant and persistent bouquet offering hints of black cherry and plum. On the palate, it showcases the concentration and structure gained from the ripasso process, while maintaining freshness and approachability. 

We're excited for our members to experience the beautiful diversity of our new and old world selections!

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Laura Olson is co-owner of The Dinner Party along with her partner, Joe Petersen. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop or visit www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.